Last Updated Thursday, April 26, 2007

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Comments (83)

Keith Kennedy

York

Water is everthing to us. I would like to see a chnge in the way Energy and Environment are held under one minister. I beleve that these very important issues are needed to be care for by separate departmnts.

We also need to be reaching out to the community to discover how we will solve some very important water and energy issues.
I hope that Robert Ghiz will concider placing a very special importance to solving the water emergency we face as an island.

This Environmental issue needs to be handled with care and respect.

Water is very important to Prince Edward Island.

Energy is very important to the future of prince edward island.

Energy and environment are to big to be under one department.

However these problems nre emerging and need to be addressed now not tommorrow.

I hope that in this election one issue stands out as Water and it's importance to people.

Our Government has dropped the ball on the environment and energy.

Water is connected to everything. It must be handled with respect.

I am happy to see political change. Alot of people i talk to about this change say that we will fall back into our normal comfort zones now.

I wonder if we will.
I hope that people care more about the water we drink. If we do not we will be drinking bottled water and we will not be able to say we are a green space to raise our families and we will be sick from bad water.

Posted May 31, 2007 02:58 PM

Wendy MacKinnon

Charlottetown

I'm disappointed with a few items during CBC’s election coverage. I found it to be almost cruel for Rainnie to ask Binns to repeat his quote on the swinging pendulum made when the PC first came into power under his leadership. “Rubbing his nose in it” was rather harsh at a time when Binns just came to the realization that his party was trounced. I also find it disappointing that Ghiz's win has been so closely tied to his father. He has won the election and should be recognized as an individual with a new party rather than riding his father's coattails. The election results should be an indication that he has won the election with his party based on his own merit.

Posted May 30, 2007 08:43 AM

neville crawford

The people of P.E.I. voted for Tweedle Dee instead od Teedle Dum....Libs or PC's there is no difference....the greens stole NDP votes..did anyone ask when the greens last held a convention to debate policy ? I thought not..the federal greens have not held one for years..since Harris was the leader..you must remember the one time Conservative...May once supported the NDP policy on the enviroment when she was with the Sierra club over the green policy
neville

Posted May 30, 2007 12:49 AM

julie meadows

charlottetown

The tories lost my vote due to Sunday shopping. The stores are open 6 days 9-9.
I am a full time single mom who manages to get my shopping done Mon-Fri. I do not shop on Saturday or Sunday.
It is the low wage worker who has to give up their time with their families. Daycare is not open so where are my children suppose to go while I am at work.( so people can browse because they are bored) Perhaps stay home and let your children know they have parents who care more about family life than working or shopping. What would you possibly need on Sunday other than food and water. The only people interested in Sunday shopping are the ones who have no fear of ever working it for minimum wage. Maybe you should stop and think for one moment where these working mom's and dad's are putting their children, when are these mom's and dad's having time for one another, when is their family time while you take yours shopping. Sunday shopping is a conveinience for the higher wage worker who will not have to work Sunday. Yes i know nurses etc.. work on Sundays but they knew going into their career that they would be doing that.Plus the fact they make triple that of a retail worker. It might not be so bad working Sunday if we were making $25 an hour. So as you step foot into the retail stores this Sunday stop for one moment and ask yourselves I wonder who is looking after her children or I wonder what grandparent now has to give up their day off to watch their grandchildren. People need a mental day off.
Have you ever worked in retail?? Maybe you should try it. Then maybe you wouldn't be so keen on Sunday shopping!!!

Posted May 29, 2007 10:57 PM

Stan A. Bailey

Summerside

I wonder about polling being made public after an election is called. How does it influence that 10-15% of soft swing voters. As "Ian" (UPEI Political professor) on the election coverage pointed out - The swing voters, upon digesting the poll out in the Guardian just before the election, could have decided to be on the "winning side" when they voted. This may not have changed the final outcome, in this case, but it could on a close election.

The problem with polls is that most people believe their impartial, a balanced, fair view of the publics opinion. Some don't understand that the companies that do the polling often have political biases and are hired for the job accordingly. Some people seem to think that the editor of a paper, or a television reporter/anchor are impartial, only reporting the facts with a balanced outlook. They may tell the truth, but not the whole truth. Omitting important truths can have an impact on public opinion.

I know it's unrealistic to ask for "actual" balanced reporting in the politcal area, as we all have our biases and it's hard to turn them off, but I feel strongly that polling after an election writ is dropped is a misuse of the democratic election process. The goverment elect may not find it helpful in the next election!

The public certainly doesn't get well served in any case. Thank You

Posted May 29, 2007 06:26 PM

Rod Luden

Winnipeg

Regardless of who you voted for, how the seats are divided between the Liberals and the PC's shows how unfair and undemocratic the first-past-the-post system is. You'd think that close to 85% of Islanders voted Liberal because that's the percentage of seats they won. The headlines go on and on about what a crushing defeat it was and how it demonstrated a wholesale rejection of the PC and so on. But if the seats were allocated based on how the people actually voted, the Liberals would have 14, the PC 11 and the Greens and NDP would each have one seat. Hardly a red tide! This unfortunate biasing of results in favour of the winning party (no matter who it is) was shown recently in the Manitoba election and the Quebec election as well. There has to be a better way!

Posted May 29, 2007 05:02 PM

Charles DesRoches

Charlottetown

The Island population has spoken and spoken loud. Our democratic system needs checks and balances. Such a Majority win needs to be watched by Islanders to ensure that the promises made by the Liberals during the Election are now kept.

Posted May 29, 2007 06:00 AM

Manuel Mendez

Well, so Cynthia Dunnsford left all her Parkdale Doris fans for a seat in the legislature. Well, hope you turn the Assembly House into a more lively place. Congratulations! ...but we still miss Wednesdays programs

Posted May 29, 2007 01:39 AM

Robert Carter

I don't believe the liberal government will ever compare to the former PC government on PEI. I'm wondering how many days it will take before the liberals start to break their first election promise?

Posted May 29, 2007 01:35 AM

Nancy M. Green

congratulations!Mr. Ghiz.having had the honor of meeting your father,a true statesman, i trust that you will follow in his fotsteps and improve life for the good people of Prince Edward Island.Good luck and God bless.

Posted May 29, 2007 12:36 AM

G Lebedev

Charlottetown

I'm optimistic to see what the new government will do, change is always good if its well planned and executed. I can think of quite a few provincial government programs that need more support and perhaps revamping. I think people should be realistic in the delivery of election promises, to be cliche, Rome wasn't built in a day.

There are a lot of newbie politicians, someone should be giving a "Welcome to provincial politics - An intro on legislation, public policy and how to be an effective MLA".

Best of luck to all voted in.

-g

Posted May 29, 2007 12:27 AM

Velvet Wood

Terrific voter turnout,a great team to lead us out of the patronage driven, financial mess created by the Binns team.In Vernon Bridge we might get a bridge that isn't held together by boulders to keep it from collapsing.
But fiscal prudence will hopefully be the order of the day.Education,and health care must be the top priorities.

Posted May 28, 2007 11:39 PM

Anna Clark

chaarlottetown

I have no political partymembership always have a vote for the person I think will try to do the best job . Very pleased with election of Robert Ghiz, Sorry that there is very little oppisition in the house. That has been the way PEI elections has been going this last few years, He has a big job ahead with our large debt . Hopefully this young leader and his team can start us on the way out of that. Prehaps he will also adjust our tax base as well .

Posted May 28, 2007 11:37 PM

Roger Gallant

Charlottetown

To Ed Sweet of Toronto,

While we're at it, why don't we have Toronto merge with the United States.

Posted May 28, 2007 11:06 PM

James Redmond

charlottetown

How much is this going to coast? We all know who will pay the price.

Posted May 28, 2007 11:03 PM

Keith MacDonald

Charlottetown

Get off the air, we know the results, I wanna watch the hockey game!!!!

Posted May 28, 2007 10:05 PM

Doug Mehus

To Ed Sweet of Toronto,

You do make an excellent point. Prince Edward Island has barely 100,000 people in its province, I believe, and that's more than the city in which I live - Kelowna, B.C. - which has over 110,000 people. You're quite right, should PEI be a province? Rather, it could be a fairly significant regional government as part of an enlarged Nova Scotia with a whole bunch of strong municipalities and eliminate unnecessary bureaucrats and politicians with a province that has such a small and declining population.

Cheers,
Doug Mehus
Kelowna, B.C.

Posted May 28, 2007 10:04 PM

Yvonne Webster

Cardigan

I am watching the election results from Lebanon, Maine. Wonderful to see the Liberals back in control!!!

Yvonne Webster

Posted May 28, 2007 09:51 PM

Margaret Fraser

Charlottetown

Should we really be congratulating Mr. Ghiz..? Do we really think this Liberal majority is due to his leadership? I don't really believe that.... I think that Islanders wanted a change, this was not because of Mr. Ghiz...it was in spite of Mr. Ghiz. Prior to the election, I was hearing "we don't really like him but it's time for a change". I never heard praise for Mr. Ghiz just Islanders looking for a change. This tends to be the Island way.... Mr. Binns has done a lot for PEI in spite of some party dead weight and controversial issues. I think that we can credit some of the Liberal wins to these issues....

Margaret Fraser

Posted May 28, 2007 09:50 PM

Paulette Halupa - President of the NDP

I would like to congradulate all the NDP canadates on their hard work and especially our leader Dean Constable. We know he will continue to work hard on matters that are significate to us as islanders islanders and we can exspect to see him at the legislature keeping the new Liberal government on track. I would also like to congradulate Robert Ghiz on becoming the new premier of Prince Edward Island we know he will work hard on behalf of the islanders that put their trust in him for the future.
Paulette Halupa

Posted May 28, 2007 09:49 PM

Kelly Butler

Stratford

Those twins who voted Liberal expressly because their parents vote, and have always voted Liberal is exactly what is wrong with democracy. When asked WHY they voted that way, the couldn't answer. I would die of shock if either of those boys could name three of the Liberal platforms of the 2007 election.

People who vote because of "tradition" and "obligation" make me sick.

Kelly Butler

Posted May 28, 2007 09:48 PM

Maryanne Gallant

Elmsdale

CONGRATULATIONS PAT MURPHY!!!

Posted May 28, 2007 09:44 PM

Danny Gosse

Summerside

Congratulations to Robert Ghiz and our new MLA's. I believe Mr Binns didn't help his cause when he continued to reference the wage roll back. I mean how long will that blunder be referenced.

Danny Gosse

Posted May 28, 2007 09:39 PM

ed sweet

Toronto

Why all the fuss !! PEI in total has less people than many cities in Canada. Yet here we are letting them play province and hold a provincial election. Much more economical if PEI was merged with Nova Scotia or New Brunswick. We could do away with all these politicians and bureaucrats.

Can you imagine a securities commission for 110,000 people ? Well welcome to PEI.

Ed Sweet

Posted May 28, 2007 09:38 PM

Maryanne Gallant

Pat Murphy of District 26 is right now in the lead by only twenty some votes.

I was wondering who you think will win after the final 2 polls?

Will District 26 go Liberal?

GO MURPHY GO, TO DUNN WE SAY NO!
GO PAT GO, DUNN IS DONE!

Go Liberal...

Posted May 28, 2007 09:38 PM

Nathan Steeves

cornwall

If i may add also as i was saying variety would start by electing more then just two parties to hold the elected Goverment Accountable.

Posted May 28, 2007 09:38 PM

Doug Mehus

I just wanted to compliment CBC Prince Edward Island for its excellent, well-rounded and thorough coverage on the provincial election tonight. My only gripe - and it's a minor one at that - is having to switch to the online webcast on CBC.ca after CBC Newsworld stopped carrying the CBC PEI election night special at around the 4 PM Pacific Time marker. So, kudos to you and your team.

As far as a quick political comment goes, I only have to say that it's interesting Premier Binns thought he could easily coast to a fourth consecutive majority gov't, riding the strength of his personal popularity as "an affable bean farmer" and clearly that's not been the case. Mr. Ghiz has proven himself for four years since losing the last election and has shown leadership. Your commentator said it best when he said Premier Binns picked the wrong ballot box issue - leadership - when apparently health care and gas prices are the major issues of the campaign, helping the Liberals. Mr. Binns is no longer the Teflon Premier.

Doug Mehus

Posted May 28, 2007 09:37 PM

Linda Kozlowski

As a former Torontonian living in New Hampshire I congratulate you for voting in a liberal government - now get to work and do something about the pollution caused by pesticides, affecting the drinking water and air! I would love to move there if you could just clean it up and kick out the pesticides powers! Go organic! Please.

Linda Kozlowski

Posted May 28, 2007 09:30 PM

Nathan Steeves

cornwall

I think that there wont be any change due to the fact that there isnt a variety in the legislative assembly.

Nathan Steeves

Posted May 28, 2007 09:29 PM

Jennifer McKenna

Char

Which of the Conservative campaign promises hurt them the most?
Which of the Liberal campaign promises was their most effective?

Jennifer McKenna

Posted May 28, 2007 09:25 PM

don carroll

To what extent do you think the conservatives were hurt by their decsion to mislead the electorate at the time of the last election about the size of the defecit and by delaying the demise of polar sea food at an untold cost. For me it was the deciding factor.In Europe they riot in the streets over such deception. I change my vote. Don Carroll

Posted May 28, 2007 09:24 PM

Tami Martell

Montague

Well Mr. Ghiz--
We will now be expecting a brand new high school in Montague located outside of the town, as promised by you--which means that you had better get moving on canceling the new renovations already projected by the PC government and get moving on a new design for a brand new Montague High School--Remember, you promised!!!!

Tami Martell

Posted May 28, 2007 09:24 PM

Maryanne Gallant

I am a citizen of District 26 and I am really hoping Pat Murphy will win the most votes...

GO PAT GO, DUNN IS DONE!!!

I was just wondering what you think the chances are of Pat Murphy (Liberal) winning the District 26 polls?

Posted May 28, 2007 09:24 PM

Ken Williams

Ebenezer

John Diefenbaker, when asked about a poll in which his party was trailing said, "you know what dogs do to polls" and then lost the election. I think tonight the Conservatives were the polls and the Liberals the dogs.

Ken Williams

Posted May 28, 2007 09:24 PM

Linda Meadows

Charlottetown

Well Mr. Binns perhaps you and your party should have consulted Islander's before bringing in Sunday Shopping and taking Island mother's, father's and grandparents away from their families on Sundays! It seems you are going to have some time on your hands maybe you get get a job at Walmart and work on Sundays so one of the effected lower paid workers can have the day off while you work!

Linda Meadows

Posted May 28, 2007 09:23 PM

Nicholas Stewart

I thought some cabinet ministers would be defeated tonight, but I'm really astounded by Mitch Murphy's defeat - he seemed to be deemed untouchable by anyone following PEI politics. Any thoughts on his downfall?

Nichols Stewart

Posted May 28, 2007 09:20 PM

Lindsay Moore

Crapaud,PE

WHOOOSH !!! THE RED TIDE IS IN !!!! GO LIBERALS !

Lindsay Moore

Posted May 28, 2007 09:19 PM

Jennifer McKenna

Charlottetown

It is good to see a Liberal government. Congrats to all Liberals elected!!!

Jennifer McKenna

Posted May 28, 2007 09:19 PM

Maryanne Gallant

I am a citizen of District 26 and I am really hoping Pat Murphy will be able to win the most votes here.

GO PAT GO, DUNN IS DONE!!!

Maryanne Gallant

Posted May 28, 2007 09:17 PM

John Groman

Charlottetown

I am curious if Robert Ghiz will be as anxious to have a plebiscite on Proportional Representation now that he has a majority Government (which would be a minority in a represented house). It was him who raised the debate a year ago.

John Groman

Posted May 28, 2007 09:16 PM

Kirk Brown

I wonder if the PCs now wish they had supported a proportional representation system in the plebiscite. They would have 11 seats to the Liberals 15 and perhaps one "other." There would be a real opposition. It's time we stopped having what are effectively rotating dictatorships.

Ian Dobbigan says it's in keeping with Island tradition. Actually, it's in keeping with the effects of first-past-the-post-electoral systems.

Kirk Brown

Posted May 28, 2007 09:15 PM

Marc Chisholm

I am happy for the people of PEI. It is nice to see that they want a change. Just like New Brunswick voting for a liberal government because they wanted a change as well. One factor is Stephen Harper policies they hurts the Conservative province’s premiers. I think you will see a change in the next Nova Scotia election. It is a great day for PEI.

Marc Chisholm

Posted May 28, 2007 09:13 PM

betty gallant

bedeque

WAY TO GO ROBERT GHIZ IF YOUR AS GOOD AS YOUR FATHER WAS THEN WE GOT THE RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB

Posted May 28, 2007 09:11 PM

Eunice Trainor

Summerside

A comment to Rob Love of Calgary:

Yes - PEI has had a consistent high voter turnout for both provincial and federal elections. Is it because of history, family ties, or personal interest in the political process? Who can say for certain? Islanders know of the importance to exercise their right to vote. It would be good to see this across the country.

Eunice Trainor

Posted May 28, 2007 09:10 PM

Mike Clements

Hello,

I think it would be worth mentioning, if not already that I think if you look back amoungst our gov'ts, it seems that islanders go against the current power in Ottawa. Federal PC, Provincial Liberals. Ian, ehat are your thoughts on this?

Mike Clements

Posted May 28, 2007 09:09 PM

Mike O'Neil

Thanks to all those who offered to serve the citizens of PEI regardless of the outcome this evening.

To Mr. Robert Ghiz and the PEI Liberal Party,

Congratulations on your victory. Islanders, for the most part, have sent a clear message to our politicians. Please remember you have been entrusted with our livelihood, our future. As a majority - do not forget that Islanders have good ideas how to make our way of life better. You know the key issues. As well, your colleagues across the room have good ideas as well - don't "not listen" just because they are blue.

A supporter of positive change!
Mike O'Neil

Posted May 28, 2007 09:03 PM

Phil Shouldice

Stratford

When one considers that the new Electoral map, which I understand was commissioned and paid for by the PC party was likely designed to improve their numbers, where do they go for a refund. It would be interesting to know how they would have faired under the old map.
Congratulations to Robert Ghiz and to Islanders.

Phil Shouldice

Posted May 28, 2007 09:02 PM

Ian Young

Having lived through the former Liberal years of high unemployment and croneyism in the 1980s and 1990s this "Red Tide" brings back a lot of bad memories. I find it difficult to believe that Islanders have forgotten how bad the economy was under the former Liberal leadership and how good it has proven under the current Conservative banner. Why must Islanders shoot themselves in the foot and ruin a good thing by going with a big spending Liberal Government which is now under the guidance of an unproven leader with little political exposure. I guess I will just have to stay in the north longer than expected.

Ian Young

Posted May 28, 2007 09:01 PM

Jamie Robertson

Charlottetown

What credentials does Tim Banks have that allows him to comment on the election?
Jamie Robertson

Posted May 28, 2007 09:00 PM

Angela Goodwin-Gallant

Wellington

I'm currently teaching in Alberta due to there being no teaching positions on the Island. What are the Liberals willing to do to help people like me have jobs back hom?
Angela Goodwin - Gallant

Posted May 28, 2007 08:58 PM

Paul Wares

First Manitoba, and now PEI. I call on all conservatives in Ontario to work hard in their upcoming campaign. We can't let them get a hat trick!

Paul Wares

Posted May 28, 2007 08:56 PM

Courtney Earl Matthews

Enjoying your coverage. I am not surprised by the Liberal victory. I am 30 years old. I wonder if in my lifetime I will see a break in two party strangle hold on Islanders. Our present system lacks maturity and requires reform.

Courtney Earl Matthews

Posted May 28, 2007 08:55 PM

Mike O'Connell

Halifax

There's a guy in Ottawa nameed Harper who should be feeling that old political pucker about now.

Mike O'Connell

Posted May 28, 2007 08:53 PM

Thomas Eldershaw

Charlottetown

The only thing that would make me happier is if Mr.Binns would lose his seat. I am out of work because Mr.Binns' IT restructuring initiative. He spoke of the 7.5% cutback made by the Liberals. I'd take a 7.5% cut over a pink slip any day.

Thomas Eldershaw

Posted May 28, 2007 08:53 PM

Britany McKie

Summerside

I would just like to make a comment to Pat Binns and the PC party. They have been in charge for what seems like forever, and just now they are promising to build new schools. I know in Summerside Athena and SIS were built but it has been so long, why haven't they built the ones down east over the years, where is this money coming from now? I may not be able to vote because I am 16, but i will be able to in the next couple years and I will remember everything that is happening now.

Britany McKie

Posted May 28, 2007 08:50 PM

David Sampson

What impact,if any,has the Federal Conservative Government treatment of Atlantic Canada had on the early swing away from Binns and his team?

David Sampson

Posted May 28, 2007 08:44 PM

Ernie Burton

Charlottetown

I am unaware of the need of advanced votes. Please explan such for the clarity of Islanders such as myself.

Posted May 28, 2007 08:43 PM

Kevin Smith

Ch'town

I can see Tim Banks licking his chops (happy guy eh). I hope the Liberal change the hiring practices in the public service. No more need for a MLA on your reference list.
Yahoo.......

We all will miss Pat Binns a great leader but time marches on!

Kevin Smith

Posted May 28, 2007 08:43 PM

Bill McKinnon

Summerside

While Premier Binns is a difficult man not to like, it appears the historical Island aversion to long term, political arrogance, is much more powerful than a an affable leader.

Bill McKinnon

Posted May 28, 2007 08:40 PM

David Hutchison

In light of the great turnout of voters in PEI, perhaps the province should become known as "The province that votes" instead of "The Cradle of Confederation". Possibly voters in other provinces might take note. Congratulations!

Posted May 28, 2007 08:40 PM

Eunice Trainor

I think the two issues of importance to Islanders in this election are: 1) the fallout and effect of the Polar Foods decisions, and 2) Sunday shopping. Islanders are continuing to look at and deal with the costs, including the deficit, of the government's decisions. I don't believe that people thought that Sunday shopping would affect them until it began last week. Since then, there has been a great deal of talk on the streets. One of the most noted comment I have heard is the one about the tourism industry wanting the change. I challenge anyone to take a drive in a primary tourism area like Cavendish on the day after Labour Day and see how many businesses are open. The answer will be "Not many".

Eunice Trainor

Posted May 28, 2007 08:39 PM

Star Mckassik

I am glad that Carolin wont ower districk. I am really hoping that Rober will win the island. And I hope the green party will get abouve 5%.

Star Mckassik

Posted May 28, 2007 08:34 PM

Maurice Chiasson

Charlottetown

We are new Islanders of just a little over a year, and we truly do not understand the quiet, unsaid but very real anti-Binns sentiment that we have seen in Friends, Neighbours, and co-workers. There must have been a few negatives over the years that have stuck to him in spite of his honest efforts.

Maurice

Posted May 28, 2007 08:33 PM

Shayne Stanton

I just wanted to say that as someone who keeps track of the elections that go on around the Country, I want to say that it is always good for a change in governing parties. I would hope that when the final results come in that there will be a true legislative body in place. I do not think that any party should have way more than what is needed to form any majority government. The Liberals are leading in 18 but if they win more than that, who will keep them properly accountable.

Posted May 28, 2007 08:33 PM

Jenny Bishop

Do you think that under a new leadership the hiring freeze placed on PEI Government, by Mr. Binns, will be lifted. There are so many good programs for islanders that are unable to run appropriately due to lack of staff. I am wondering if anyone has any say on this

Posted May 28, 2007 08:31 PM

rod love

Did I hear it is always 80 per cent plus voter turnout?! I am envious...
Rod Love
Calgary

Posted May 28, 2007 07:56 PM

Dave Marshall

Lets Vote Liberal, Maybe The Gas and taxes will go down

Posted May 28, 2007 05:15 PM

Stephen Pate

Disability advocates have political points of view and this is one.

Here's an insider stock tip.

When a stock dies the price plummets and you couldn't sell it with a bonus of free coffee. It will do the dead cat bounce: it rises again appears to be alive and falls back. Usually there are two bounces before everyone declares the cat/stock dead.

The Tory campaign died last week with the Guardian poll. It confirmed what the Tories feared and what Liberals dreamed of: Islanders were tired of the Binns stock.

Friday night was the first dead cat bounce. A dull Civic Centre is enlivened one more time by a rallying speech. Binns looks tired in the picture. He looked tired in Belfast now he looks aged.

Compare Binns to Ghiz who appears young, happy, and laughing. Nobody was sitting on their hands at the Delta Friday night.

Da cat she dead but if you trow her, she bounce.

There is one more bounce for the dead cat, that’s on Monday. The troops will be out there calling people, driving people, delivering the odd pint or lose joint (yup we still do that on PEI).

But the Tory troops know it’s over.

Posted May 27, 2007 08:13 AM

kat murphy

charlottetown

"its run by some guy called Stephen Pate, who can be found with a cardboard sign and a video camera bugging Tory candidates at public events".....well this just cries out ignorance on your part oh great arrogant able-bodied cbc reporter....stephen pate is an activist for the disabled on this island...u have no idea how difficult it is be disabled and just live day-to-day life let alone sticking your neck out to bring attention to political issues and take on the "status quo"....oh a guy in a wheelchair confronting able-bodied politicians must be a real threat to them if they need the likes of a great cbc reporter to arbitarily write off this political agenda without any mention of his issues....and of course a guy in a wheelchair is not sexy or popular enough to compare with the likes of comedians at the guild...because that's important....entertaining the arrogant is much more central to the assignment of covering political blogs than actually digging into the issues...isnt it barb??....i think some sensitivity training is in order...if u ever feel the need to get educated on the issues facing the disabled give me a call....we can work on your smugness and ignorance and maybe even your humanity.

Posted May 23, 2007 07:24 AM

Joan Cumming

Charlottetown

I may have missed it, but I have not seen or heard any headlines during this election campaign that deal with Tourism. Considering that this industry has been in decline for the past few years and is a huge employer and revenue generator for the province, I am waiting to hear what plans, if any, the candidates have to prepare the Island to compete for the tourist dollars - apart from suggesting that a room tax be added to hotel bills!
Joan Cumming, B and B Owner/Operator

Posted May 21, 2007 10:03 PM

Bruce Horne

West Prince has been led to believe by some of our Municipal Leaders(Past Mayor,Pat Murphy,Perry Morell, and Nancy Wallace) that the consultation process that we were given was not good enough, none of them realize that had they not interrupted each of these sessions everyone would have had a chance to voice an opinion,or at least one which was not one from Alberton or O'Leary, none of these people took into consideration the outlying areas and how they felt. Next they circulated a petition to which they say they had over 2000 names, maybe but where did these names come from, I was at a Provincial Midget Hockey Tournament in Tignish and saw this so-called petition going around no matter where you were from or how old you were you got to put your name down. How informed were these names, and do they really care about our Health System in the area.
In the lobby of the Rink I heard one kid yes a kid 12 or 13 year old saying he got to sign it twice and joking about it, this is exactly what the petition was nothing but political posture. Mainly because it was being carried around by a well know Liberal supporter, not even from Alberton or O'leary. Another well known Liberal, Alan McInnis from Tignish had stated that we should have a plebiscite, well we have our chance now and there are four seats involved here District 23, 25, 26 & 27 lets exercise our rights, here on this issue.
Over 95% of our Health Care people agree with the one Hospital idea, who are we to tell them they don't know what is good or bad to help get better service, we trust these people more than politicians don't we ?

Posted May 18, 2007 10:33 AM

Megan Harris

I would like to put forth the following question for the CBC TV leaders' debate:
I would like to narrow the nitrates focus to the specific issue of quick-release nitrate fertilizers. They are the cheap and dirty option presently available for nutrient amendment of crops. Other options include slow-release nitrate fertilizers and manure. By my reckoning, the only ones that benefit from the use of quick-release fertilizers are the fertilizer companies. Less than half of the nitrate in this type of fertilizer is available for uptake by crop plants, even with optimal weather and soil conditions. So the farmer loses, by paying for chemical that will never benefit the crop. The nitrate that is not biologically available for plant use ends up in the groundwater and eventually in well and surface waters on the island. So all islanders lose, as their children's normal early development is put at risk and the industries that rely on clean rivers and estuaries receive another blow to their economic viability. Minister Jamie Ballem suggested that regulating fertilizers was problematic and unrealistic. I do not see the impossibility in banning the sale and use of quick-release nitrate fertilizers on the island, when other fertilizer options remain. I ask all of the leaders to answer this: would you ban the sale and use of quick-release forms of nitrate fertilizer on the island and if so, when?

Posted May 17, 2007 11:36 AM

Blair MacDonald

Mr. Binns states that he has a new team to lead up for the next four Years.But the only problem is that the same old tired horses are pulling the wagon. If the members responsible for Polar food,etc would resigh,then I would vote for Mr.Binns.

Posted May 16, 2007 11:22 PM

Blair MacDonald

I would like to comment on our health system,expecially pretaining to cancer treatment.
Mr.Binns states that we have a state of the ark cancer treatment right here on PeI. He could be right,but the problem on PEI is getting past the steps to be treated at the clinic.
I will state my personal experience.
Since I didn't have a family Doctor,and for whatever reason I went to Dr.Cusack last October and requested a complete annual bloodtest to be carried out.He called me about a week later and said that my PSA reading was high. He booked me for another test. The second test came back also with a high reading and Dr.Cusack made an appointment for me with Dr.Mulligan on Dec 11th 2006. Dr.Mulligan told me that a PSA reading is like a warning light in your car and he said he would lift the bonnet and explore for the problem. He went to his Assistant and requested her to book a Biopsy at the QE hospital. She kept flipping the pages until she came to the first available date. MARCH 06,2007.
After receiving the results on 02 April 2007(positive for cancer) I am now in the system the Mr.Binns calls the state on the ark.
What Mr.Binns will not admit that we lack the Doctors to get us from the initial problem to his state of the ark cancer centre. In December 2006,I called the Deputy Minister of Health twice,left messages for someone to call me. No one called.
My personal problem was highlighted last October 2006 and I am still waiting to start my treatment for PROSTATE CANCER

Posted May 16, 2007 11:10 PM

Jack Henry

Charlottetown

I share your frustration, Mr.Norburn. While I am not suffering from an immediate life threatening condition, I have a continuously worsening one that forces me to travel off island for treatment. I too seem to have misplaced my family doctor that I once had. Perhaps we should call Progressive Conservative candidate Wes MacAleer's office to work out a deal. The patronage card seems to work for a lot of people I know around here. You don't happen to live near a potato field, do you? You're in my thoughts, Mr. Norburn. Its up to Islanders now.

Posted May 16, 2007 02:38 PM

Bob Norburn

Charlottetown

Before you vote, think about what this shower has afforded themselves, at our expense.

I was diagnosed with cancer last December, due to the shortage of Dr's on PEI I didn't get to see an oncologist for 6 weeks. I had a scan in February yet 13 weeks later I'm still waiting for the results.

I met with Chester Gillan to be told "he's doing his best", well his best aint good enough, if he can't do the job then he, and the rest of them should be held accountable.

You can do that for me and others in similar circumstances, you may face this in your family one day.

If there's a forest fire in Ontario we see fire fighters come from all across Canada, when hurricane Juan struck the power lines went down, it was a National Emergency. But when people need Health Care in PEI nothing happens.

I'm not the only one suffering from a life threatening condition, there's a lot more folks on PEI in the same boat. There's also thousands of folks who haven't had a Family Dr for YEARS, some folks for 10 or more years.

Here in PEI we pay higher Provincial Taxes than anywhere else in Canada, yet you'd have a better chance of getting on a Dr's list in Nunavut than Charlotttown.

I did have a Dr, but he seems to have disappeared, leaving 2500 of us relying on "walk in clinics". Can you imagine how it feels to have cancer and your only life line be a walk in clinic !

Chester Gillan allowed this Dr to charge us all $20 to get on the Dr's books ? so not only has the Dr disappeared, but the money has too.

If I sound bitter then put yourself in my shoes, I could DIE in PEI, suffering from cancer, but dieing from NEGLECT !

Bob Norburn.

Posted May 15, 2007 01:27 AM

Frank MacAulay

I realize that in an election, all parties make promises trying to entice voters. I hope that most of them can be realistic and implemented for the greater good of the province, not just a small group. I also hope that they are based on solid values of integrity and respect for the people. I am deeply disappointed with the move by the Conservative party to announce a new school for Stratford. They have completely undemined the School Board - why do we have Boards that want to look at the total district and endeavor to do what is best for the region within their budget, when the Premier can overrule them during an election. This does not speak to respecting a group of community volunteers who want the best education for their children - in an era when it is already hard to get volunteers, why would someone want to sit on a school board, if they wake up some morning and discover that their role is redundant. I hope the general public can see beyond this 'promise' and reflect on what type of values we want in our government and let their candidates know.
Thank you...

Posted May 9, 2007 08:55 AM

Matthew

Winnipeg

I just think saying "all the politicians stink" and "where have all the Trudeau/Ghiz's gone" bypasses the real responsibility in a democracy. Islanders can send a message that they're not happy with the status quo - by not voting for it.

If you feel that Robert Ghiz and the Libs are just more of the status quo, then don't vote for them either.

Does that mean one has to vote (gasp!) NDP or (horrors!) Green? First of all, let me say that voting NDP or Green doesn't mean you're handing over power to the fringe. Even Dean Constable knows he's not going to form the next government. How can he, with only 11 candidates? But if there is a sizable NDP and/or Green vote, then that will send a message to the Libs and PC's that Islanders are dissatisfied with the current style of politics. Heck, if an NDP MLA gets to the leg, they might even get some experience and develop into a full-fledged party.

If you just completley disagree with greens and NDP (or there's none in your riding) but can't stand the status quo, why not spoil your ballot? It shows that you took the time to vote, but felt the options were awful. This will also send a message to the political elites that Islanders are unhappy.

A charismatic leader would be nice, but active and vocal citizens participating in democracy are nicer, and more vital.

Posted May 8, 2007 05:20 PM

Jack Wilderom

The point I was making is this, this conservative government has made many blunders, with our money, money that is in short supply, and we need to take these old guys and gals out of Charlottetown, and renew them with new blood. It is not good for a country or province to have people in office for so many years. The problem here is, that if dad voted Conservative the kids do the same, they don't k even know what this election is all about, I'm sure that most people don't even know about Polar foods or all the other bad things this government did.
Why did our oil not go up May first, because it was controlled by Mr. Binns, we have an election, you will see it go sky high as soon as the election is over, the first of June.
There is no interest even here on posting a comment. very sad indeed.

Posted May 8, 2007 12:01 AM

Matthew

Winnipeg

I'm confused by Mr. Henry's dismissal of our politicians. He dismisses Ghiz because he developed his political chops in Ottawa? I suppose under that criteria we might as well sack Pat Binns himself, since he was an MP in Ottawa. While we're at it, we might as well sack all our standing MPs too. We'll have to make sure we don't vote for anyone with any REAL political experience, since the general wisdom seems to be that all politicians (especially those evil Ottawa ones) are devious, backstabbing slime. If you follow Mr. Henry's faulty logic to its conclusion, we should all vote for the inexperienced, non-politicians of the NDP (or the Greens).

But wait! Mr. Henry says we shouldn't vote for Dean Constables team orange either - he makes vague and unsubstantiated allegations that this 27 year old theatre veteran has a shady past that makes him unfit to rule our beautiful Isle - Unfit, I say! Forsooth!

Again, faulty logic, not to mention a smear campaign. What's in his past that makes him so unlectable, Mr. Henry? Were his theatre liasons scandalous? Did he participate in an avant-guard play you found offensive? Unfit I say! Forsooth!

A politician's personal life is their business - I don't really care what Dean, Pat or Robert are doing at home, I just want to know what they will do when in power.

As well, I don't see why voting for a theatre guy is any worse than voting for Binns, an (Ottawa trained) politico. We don't need to do a background check on this guy to find some shady spots. Just look at his years as premier.

Posted May 7, 2007 09:09 PM

Jack Henry

Charlottetown

As much as I would like to agree with Mr. Wilderom, his comment comes across as someone who simply lost out on a job because of PEI's "its who you know" mentality. Who is the alternative? Mr. Dean Constable? (Do a background check on this guy.) Robert Ghiz? (Political strategies learned in Ottawa...need I say more) Perhaps there needs to be a little less complaining around here, and some more suggested solutions. Why hasn't there been an incredibly inspirational Island leader since Joseph Ghiz? Can you think of someone, Mr. Wilderom? Or is anything better than Mr. Binns? Federal politics has evolved into a war of criticism rather than the democratic system it was intended to be...to serve the people. I agree that things need to change, but people around here don't like to change. PEI needs a leader. Without that, forget about it. Things have got to change around here. Where have all the Pierre Trudeau's and Joe Ghiz's all gone?

Posted May 3, 2007 02:17 PM

Jack Wilderom

Malpeque

If this island is going to elect an other Consevative government, it has to have it's head examined.
DO NOT FORGET, DO NOT FORGET, Polar foods,- all the call centres that went away, without one panelty,- one million dollars given to a healthy company (COWS) to expand there business,- Mitch Murphy with OUR credit cards,-the pure arrogance of Mr. Ballum about the high tension wires,- keeping peoples wages low,- our school system, the lowest grades in Canada,- doctors not coming to rural area's because they are getting less then there colleaque's in the city's.- They promised not to put property taxes higher, well how many times did they do just that.??? What has this goverment really done for the people of PEI???? NOTHING, just help there friends. Give new blood a chance, the conservatives are complacent, and very arrogant in there behaviour. We have to have a NEW GOVERNMENT this time.

Posted May 2, 2007 10:06 AM

Ryan Pineau

Charlottetown

Well, I'm glad to hear that an election has been called. It will be good to clear the air so that politicians get can get focused back on the issues at hand.

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